RESUMO
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of three neurological assessments in experimental autoim?mune encephalomyelitis. Methods Thirty-two female C57BL/6 mice (18-20g) were randomly divided into normal group (n=15) and immune group (n=17). Immune group were induced subcutaneously in the flank by emulsion consisted of MOG33-35 and complete Freund’s adjuvant. Mice were assessed by two investigators for 35 days after immunization in a blinded manner using Kono’s 5-point criterion, Weaver’s 15-point criterion and improved 15-point criterion. Based on H&E staining, we analyzed the accuracy, sensibility and dependency of three assessments. Results 35-day clini?cal-score plots revealed that the fluctuation of symptoms was more obvious in improved 15-point criterion compared with the other two criteria. 15-point criterion and improved 15-point criterion are more accurate than 5-point criterion in atypical-onset EAE. 15-point criterion and improved 15-point criterion could detect the neurological deficits much earli?er than 5-point criterion (P<0.001). Neurological scores assessed by improved 15-point were well correlated with the pathological findings during the peak and remission stage. Conclusion Improved 15-point criterion is better neurological score system than Kono’s 5-point criterion and Weaver’s 15-point criterion because of its accurate assessment of the neurological deficits in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.